WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has claimed that American forces have detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and transferred them out of the country following what he described as large-scale military strikes in Venezuela.
Trump said the operation followed a major US military campaign but provided no further details. The claim has not been independently verified by US officials, the Venezuelan government, or international sources.
Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino warned that the country would strongly resist any foreign military presence. In a video message released early Saturday, he accused the United States of launching pre-dawn attacks that targeted civilian areas.
Padrino said the strikes caused casualties and material damage. He added that authorities were gathering information on those killed and injured. He stressed that Venezuela would not compromise its sovereignty and would respond forcefully to any foreign incursion.
There has been no independent confirmation of US attacks on civilian areas or of Maduro’s reported detention.
Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said the government does not currently know the whereabouts of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. She said authorities have demanded immediate proof that both are alive.
The Venezuelan government confirmed that US forces carried out strikes in several parts of the country. Officials said the attacks hit Caracas as well as the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. The government declared a state of emergency and accused Washington of seeking control over Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources.
Residents in Caracas reported loud explosions and saw large plumes of smoke rising over the city. Power outages were reported in southern districts near a major military installation. The exact locations and causes of the explosions remain unclear.
Videos circulating on social media showed multiple explosions across Caracas. Reuters said it could not immediately verify the footage.
Russian media reported that Maduro had left the presidential palace and moved to an undisclosed location. Unconfirmed reports also suggested a possible US Marine ground operation on some Venezuelan islands. US media said Trump had approved the strikes.
Trump has previously signaled openness to ground operations in Venezuela and has repeatedly pressured Maduro to step down. Last week, he claimed U.S. forces carried out an operation against vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking, described as Washington’s first known ground action in the campaign.
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The United States has increased its military presence in the region. Assets include an aircraft carrier, warships, and advanced fighter jets in the Caribbean. Washington has also imposed oil sanctions, tightened economic measures, and carried out strikes on vessels it says were involved in drug smuggling.
Venezuela has rejected the allegations. Several countries have condemned the US actions as violations of international law.
